What is the ruling on a mother who discriminates between her children, shuts the door in the face of some of them, and desires nothing from them but money, despite their filial piety towards her, both financially and emotionally?

The rights of parents are great, especially those of the mother. Many sacred texts have affirmed this, among them the noble verse: "And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship." And in the Hadith: "Your mother, then your mother, then your mother, then your father."

This right is not negated by the mother's bad character, her فسق (sinfulness), or even her shirk (associating partners with God) and disbelief, for Allah Almighty says: "But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness."

The suffering that children experience from their mother—such as rejection, expulsion, and causing division—is impermissible and the mother should be advised against it. However, these actions do not affect her right and their duty towards her. They must be patient and seek reward from Allah, remembering her patience with them during their upbringing.

Financial support for the mother is obligatory if she is poor, in need, and without a provider. Scholars have unanimously agreed that the maintenance of poor parents is obligatory upon their child's wealth. Both male and female children must spend on her according to their means. If she is not in need, then this spending is considered an act of righteousness and kindness.